# NTSB CHI90DEV09: Pietenpol AIR Camper, N535CG, Minonk, IL, August 7, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: August 7, 1990, 10:30 local (15:30 UTC)
- Place: Minonk, IL
- Coordinates: 40.899932, -89.029548 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.8999&lon=-89.0295&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report September 21, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 14503
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI90DEV09
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/14503/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI90DEV09

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S INATTENTION TO VISUAL LOOKOUT.

## Analysis

THE PILOT FLEW PAST A ROAD-GRADING CREW LEVEL ABOUT 30 FEET ABOVE GROUND. THE ROAD CREW WAVED AND REMARKED THE PILOT CONTINUED TO LOOK AT THEM UNTIL JUST PRIOR TO COLLIDING WITH A UTILITY POLE.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - object - utility pole
  - buzzing - attempted, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inattentive, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - open field

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N535CG](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N535CG-1992-02-19), registration cancelled 1992-02-19, S/N 535 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIETENPOL AIR CAMPER
- Registry model: [Gerdes Chester AIRCAMPER](https://openairdocs.org/model/gerdes-chester-aircamper) (registry code 7040275) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 535
- Engines: FORD RC58838 reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Gerdes, Chester E.
- Registered owner: Chester E Gerdes
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, September 6, 1989

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 55; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; toxicology performed

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 310° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 57 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: PIA, 32 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19900807030909A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900807030909A), Aug 7, 1990: Amtrpl AIRCAMPER, Minonk, IL, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Struck a power pole crossbar and crashed nearly inverted. Was observed flying over roadway at 20 to 30 feet AGL.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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